Carol's 1st Guest Post

Who would believe that my first trip out of the US would be to India? I think that I knew everything there was to know about life here, from this blog! The plane trip itself was phenomenal, amazing, luxurious really! And I was banned to the lower level economy section of the plane. I can't imagine what life was like for Pat, who was upstairs even more pampered!

When I entered in arrivals at Bangalore airport, I felt right at home. (ok---I was also traveling with Pat --I might be sounding like a seasoned international traveler at this point, but I'll admit I would not have done this on my own!!!) Now, on to the best part of my arrival..... Cyn at the door and the grand kids waking up and seeing me sitting in the living room sipping tea! Oh, the excitement -- like Christmas morning!!! They have grown sooooo much and they all have picked up some of the most adorable expressions in their speech!! I could go on and on about the wonderful things I have seen in the two weeks I've been here. There are "challenges" - like the first time the power went out and I was on the (marble!) stairs with Lauren in front on me. Hearing the little voice announce "don't move, Grandma, it will be ok", was comical and a little scary! For all of my "shopping buddies" - oh how I wish you were here!! The shops are amazing and I want to buy everything (thank goodness for my voice of reason Paddy - one of Cyn's neighbors). She keeps reminding me that I'll be here a long time and there are so many more places to see. I have found that India's cuisine agrees with me (with the least amount of spice, of course!), that tea in the afternoon is a wonderful treat, the people are warm and friendly and the traffic in the city is not as frightening as I thought it would be (as long as the driver is NOT me!!)

I'm sure I'll have much more to tell over the next few weeks and while I'm sure my blog will not be as frequent as Cyn's, I'll try to keep in touch!